Reviews with content warning for Deadnaming - All Boys Aren't Blue

Reviews tagging 'Deadnaming'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

123 reviews

alica2's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Very poignant memoir...I was really touched by the author's vulnerability in sharing so much of themself with the world, but also felt many times where the book served as a mirror to reflect on my own self as well. I loved how much of the book focused on the author's family and all the ways their various family members supported them. It was such an honest depiction of what it was like for them growing up Black and queer, both the challenges and the joy in being able to live authentically, and is definitely a book that will stick with me for a long time.

Content Warnings

bashsbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

Young adult memoirs are a fickle and difficult genre. It's kind of niche, and YA in general is subject to what adults think teens want, not what teens actually want. (Not that I know what teens want, either, but I can postulate about some things they might not want.) I think for the most part, Johnson recalls being a teen better than most adults, and he's franker with teens than most adults are willing to be. I respect this honesty and directness from him, I like that All Boys Aren't Blue tackles CSA, sexuality, gender, abuse, racism, homophobia, death, and toxic masculinity without shying away from them, and with empathy and nuance without making excuses for abusers. At times, he does come off a little stiff and lecturey, but he's above average for the genre. And his anecdotes are well-chosen and well-connected.

Content Warnings